Photo courtesy of NWCB A massive temporary partition was built to separate the operating hotel from the construction area.

The 20-story Bellevue Place Hyatt expansion was named the 2009 Hospitality Development of the Year by NAIOP, a commercial real estate development association.

It consists of a 609,200-square-foot addition with 351 rooms, two levels of meeting rooms, 13,800- and 17,800-square-foot ballrooms, and five levels of below-grade parking. Interior pre-function spaces consist of high ceilings, detailed soffits and high-end finishes, including more than 1,400 square feet of Venetian plaster.

To keep the hotel operating during construction, a massive temporary partition was built that stood more than 53 feet tall and 110 feet long. When the partition was removed at the completion of the expansion, a winding grand stair was unveiled. The stair includes a flowing drywall ceiling with compound radii.

Anning-Johnson performed the drywall, metal studs, cold-formed engineering, fireproofing, firestopping, stucco and Venetian plaster work.

The project was completed within budget and ahead of schedule.

Judge’s comment: “From the logistical complexities involved with the construction and subsequent removal of the massive temporary wall, the finishes at the grand staircase and ballrooms, and the incredible Venetian plaster work, the addition to the Hyatt Regency is a true reflection of the capabilities of the skilled craftsmen of the Anning-Johnson Co.”